Adore

Chapter Sixteen

Ares' Worst Week Ever.

"Is everything ready?"

"Of course. It IS me we're talking about, you know. I had it done the moment Ares flashed away."

"You're such a showoff." A giggle reverberated throughout the veranda.

"Ah, but you don't know that, do you?"

"But I do know you're brilliant. And I love you for that."

"I know. I love you too." A peaceful silence filled the couple for a few moments before the woman looked at the man, an eager glint in her blue eyes.

"Well, then. Time to get started."

"Let's just hope you don't underestimate him, love. He may be a brute, but he's still a god."

"I won't, I promise."

"ARES!"

Immediately, a flash of fire appeared in front of Aphrodite, revealing a scowling Ares.

"Yes, baby? Anything you need?"

Aphrodite had to hide a smirk at the petulant tone Ares was using. She knew the War God was still fuming about their so-called 'date' yesterday night. Honestly though, even if it was their last one (only she and Hephaestus know that), he still could have taken her to an out of the way café or something. But noooo. So, okay, he had taken her out the next day after their meeting. She was pleased at his promptness, actually, but she had frowned at the time, seeing it was late at night. Yet, she thought, maybe they were going to watch fireworks or something, but really, it had been too much to ask for, apparently. He had to take her to that creepy abandoned water theme park with the excuse of, and she quotes, 'so that your creepy husband won't find us.' Honestly, she almost snapped at him when he called Hephaestus that. In her opinion, Ares is all the more creepier (and yes, she is aware that such a statement does not exist, but it only emphasizes her point) than honest, kind, down-to-earth Hephaestus. And she was even more mortified that the real reason Ares took her there was just to make out with her. Really now. That really was the last straw. All the War God sees in her was his next lay! The nerve! I mean, sure they did it a couple of times, but really now, back then, she really had no desire to stop him. She had no reason to. But now, it's different. She has someone to be loyal to.

So, the moment they sat down on that boat, and he was scooting closer, a hungry glint in his fiery eyes, all she could think about was 'Oh Fates, no! I don't want to!' She tried to inch away from him, give him a clue that she didn't want to, but he grabbed her arms before she could do so much as move an inch. When his face was just about an inch away from her, his hands creeping up her arms towards her chest, she could take it anymore and just flashed away, leaving behind her silk scarf. Of course, Ares was bewildered that she suddenly disappeared, and flashed away too, leaving his shield behind.

When she appeared in Hephaestus' foyer, shaking with disgust, the God of Blacksmiths was there to greet her, taking her into his arms, murmuring that the worst was over, that she had done what she had planned in the first place.

"At least he didn't have the chance to continue what he was doing," he had said as he slowly stroked her long raven hair as he held her lovingly. "And you succeeded, love. It's over."

And succeed she did. They now had sufficient leverage over Ares' next actions. She knew that the War God was thinking that she was still angry at him, so that's why she left him. So, in order to get back into her good graces, he'd follow her instructions to the letter. Hah. As if she'd let him back when all he ever thought about her was her body.

And who said she had nothing between her ears. They just don't know the truth.

And now, looking at the trying not to scowl Ares, she couldn't help but think that she made the right choice in choosing her husband.

"Ares, I left my scarf back at that – err – place we had our date. Could you get it for me please?"

Ares' scowl became more pronounced when she mentioned their date, but he still nodded. "Don't worry, babe. I'll have it for you before the next meeting." He tried to go forwards to kiss her, but one look at her face had him think twice. He just growled a little before flashing away in a pillar of fire, the heat almost too hot to singe her dress. Aphrodite only smirked at this.

Let the game begin.

A woman with long chocolate brown hair braided with golden ribbons lounged on a couch inside her private quarters. A sigh left her well sculpted red lips as she gazed at the table in front of her, her brown eyes welling with tears as she looked at the evidence in front of her. Her husband, if she could call her bastard of a brother that word, had done it again. She picked up the handkerchief, rumpling it as she spotted traces of lipstick on the clearly masculine handkerchief. She closed her eyes, feeling the tears leaving tracks on her beautiful face. This is what? The how many times he'd caught him so blatantly masquerading in front of her that he has no shred of loyalty inside him. That for all his power and arrogance, he continues to disregard their wedding, their vows to one another. And this was what? Only two days since she caught him gallivanting with a nymph, a young Dryad! A heart-wrenching sob tore from her throat as she clenched her hands, curling up her body, refusing to let them, let herself, shake. She was the Queen of Heaven, for Tartarus' sake! She has more pride than this!

She straightened out of her curled up position, elegant hands waving in front of her. Instantly, the incriminating evidence disappeared, and in place of it appeared her own silky handkerchief. She snatched it out the air, and dabbed her eyes. Once she was certain there was no more evidence of her moment of weakness, she straightened out, a plan forming in her head. She'll lend a hand on the young demigod in her quest to show her (she honestly has no idea what to call him now; bastard seems like too light an insult) husband that he was in the wrong. She'll prove to him that for once (and every time he thinks he's right), he's wrong, about everything he's been doing. Besides. The little girl seems to respect each and every god. She smiled as she straightened out, her brown eyes flashing with power. She might have another champion soon.

Ares grumbled as he flashed inside the theme park, disdainfully eyeing the attractions. He growled as he stalked to where the Tunnel of Love ride was, all the while irritated with himself on why in the name of Hades did he think that this would be the perfect place to have a date with Aphrodite. Sure, he knew they should hide from the irritating Crippled Bastard, but he should know by now that she preferred somewhere they could be sweet in a pleasing atmosphere, not here. He scowled again as he remembered how she left him, expectant, on the boat. He flashed directly to her temple after he got over the shock of being left behind, thinking she headed straight for her home, but, when he arrived, it was obvious she was nowhere to be seen. He had searched for her at her usual haunts, but all he found was thin air. He was so frustrated after that, he flashed to his temple, and let his frustration out in big shockwave of power. When he was done, heaving from exertion and anger, he groaned as he surveyed the c*****e he left. His temple was a mess! He then spent the whole night trying to clean up the mess. And he found that he left his stupid shield back at the park. GREAT.

And now, early in the morning, Aphrodite had called him to fetch her scarf. He almost growled in front of her. Was she punishing him for not taking her out more? Though, he knew that the best way to gain her forgiveness was to follow her request, so he conceded and left to find her stupid scarf. When he was going to claim his morning kiss, though, something in her eyes made him stop, to hesitate. He just growled, frustrated with himself that she was so angered by his presence. He just flashed out, determined to get the b****y scarf no matter what it took.

As he arrived at the ride, he was about to go down the bowl-shaped ramp, but stopped as he sensed that something changed. He instantly flashed towards the bottom of the ramp, intent on getting the items left behind. He was reaching out for his shield, but a symbol etched on the side of the boat caught his eye and had him snatch his hand back faster than lightning. He then swore a long rambling sentence that had every curse word in every language he knew, not repeating a single word. Well, considering he was thousands of years old, let's just say he took just about ten minutes.

Once he finished, he just about flashed to the Crippled Bastard's temple to demand him to undo his meddling, but a few moments later, he reconsidered that option. It would make him look weak, that he was afraid of whatever contraption he set up. He couldn't let that happen. Though, he shuddered as he remembered the first time he'd caught them. The humiliation! He had absolutely no desire to see a repeat performance on himself. He needed to think of a plan, Council meeting be damned.

Hestia smiled as she sat on the floor, watching as her family arrived one by one. As always, Demeter was the first to arrive. The Agriculture Goddess smiled at her elder sister, prompting Hestia to go to her and hug her.

"I've missed you hugging me, Hestia." Demeter smiled warmly at her, making the fire in Hestia's eyes burn a little bit brighter.

"I have too, Dem. What do you say we have a little get together with Hera? I think she needs it right about now." Hestia suggested, making Demeter smile a bit wider at her.

"You've always cared about all of us, haven't you Hestia? Thank you." Hestia just smiled at her and waved her off. Demeter then proceeded to her throne while Hestia plopped down on the floor next to the bonfire.

Next to arrive was Artemis, who smiled politely at her and then proceeded to her own throne. Hestia just smiled and let her go. After all, the Goddess of the Wild must still be feeling off kilter with Athena's deplorable behavior at the last Council meeting. Next were the two troublemakers, Apollo and Hermes, who flashed in at the same time, wide smiles on their faces. Artemis and Demeter eyed them warily, but they were both spared when the two of them suddenly converged on Hestia, hugging her tightly.

"We missed you, Auntie!" Hermes singsonged.

"Yes, yes we did, didn't we, brother dear?" Apollo said as he squeezed tighter, making Hestia laugh at their antics.

"Boys, I can't breathe." She said, making them loosen their grips, though both still had wide smiles on their faces. "Get to your thrones, boys. You're acting like children." She laughed as Hermes pouted and Apollo shook his head.

"No way. We want to stay here." Apollo said, proceeding to hug her like a plushie. Hestia just lightly pushed Apollo away.

"Now, boys, what do you think your father would say if he saw you like this?"

The two gods looked at each other then shrugged.

"We don't care what he thinks." Hermes said, with Apollo nodding.

"Then what do you think Poseidon will say?"

Instantly the two stood up and backed away to their own thrones.

"Whoa. That's below the belt, Auntie!" Hermes said, his hands raised in a surrender gesture. Apollo mirrored him, nodding frantically.

"I don't want to be the reason why Luke was suddenly swept off to the Atlantic, Auntie!" The Sun God said sagely, making Hermes look at him with horror.

"You don't think Uncle P would do that to Luke, do you?" He asked him with wide horrified eyes. Apollo then put on a thoughtful pose, then looked at Hermes.

"I think he will." At this, Hermes lost all blood on his face.

Demeter was laughing at their antics, while Artemis was half exasperated, half amused with them. Hestia just giggled as she pointed to their thrones, making the two nod and sit obediently like trained puppies. This was the scene Aphrodite and Hephaestus flashed into. And, well, their appearance together raised everyone's eyebrows. Hestia just giggled.

Hermes wolf-whistled. "Nice catch, Heph!" Hephaestus' eyebrows twitched at the nickname, but resolutely ushered Aphrodite to her throne, then proceeded to his own, dutifully ignoring Hermes and Apollo catcalling.

"Aphrodite and Hephaestus, sitting in a tree~!"

The God of Blacksmiths looked at the two teasers with a raised eyebrow. "Really? You two really went there?"

"Hey, we weren't the ones to have arrived with the Love Goddess on our arm!" Apollo said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. Hephaestus just passed a weary hand over his face, sitting on his throne, as Artemis sighed at their immaturity, Demeter was smiling, and Hestia was looking at them with happy eyes.

"Really now. Why are you two together?" Demeter asked the couple, curiosity clear in her brown eyes.

"Ares is a jerk." Aphrodite huffed, looking at Hephaestus with blue eyes that screamed 'They have to know.' Hephaestus noticed and nodded, even though his eyes were concerned.

"And you've only noticed now?" Artemis raised an eyebrow at that.

"No. I was just ignoring it. And it seems I've reached the limits of my patience. He tried to come on to me, Artemis! Without my consent!" Aphrodite said, making Artemis' eye narrow, silver eyes flashing with anger. Hermes and Apollo stopped their pestering of Hephaestus to look at Aphrodite, shock written on their faces. Demeter stood and made her way to Aphrodite, hugging the Love Goddess' head to her bosom, comforting her. Hestia just frowned sadly, in pain, as she watched, for the first time in thousands of years, Artemis laid a comforting hand on Aphrodite's arm.

"Well make him pay, Aphrodite. No one disrespects a woman, especially you." Artemis said, glinting eyes flashing to the men, getting nods of agreement. A flash of energy had them all sliding their eyes to the source, finding Hera in all of her regal beauty. The Queen of Heaven raised a questioning eyebrow at the scene she appeared to.

"What is going on here?" She asked, spotting Artemis' arm on Aphrodite, with the said goddess' silver eyes flashing in anger. Hermes, Apollo and Hephaestus were muttering about something, while her sisters were comforting the Love Goddess.

"Ares has gone too far, Step-Mother. He tried to force himself on Aphrodite." Artemis spat, making Hera narrow her eyes in anger. The Goddess of Marriage snapped her fingers, intent on summoning her disrespectful son, but all she got for her summons was a not-so-pretty shout at her.

"He has refused to come to today's meeting. He said he's still looking for something." The mother said, concerned eyes looking straight at Aphrodite.

"I sent him off somewhere the last five days. I don't know what I'll do to him once I see him." Aphrodite said sadly, making Hera nod in sympathy. She knew exactly what the beautiful goddess was going through. Though, she won't break down here. She's needed by everyone to be strong, especially knowing her husband, he'll even give Ares a little leeway. Men.

Poseidon flashed in, followed by Dionysus, with the both of them finding the others in concerning poses. Before one of them could ask though, Hera's glinting eyes slid over to them, a warning on her eyes not to open their mouths. They nodded, understanding that it was something the Queen of the Gods herself would handle. Poseidon winced as he watched Hera go towards Aphrodite, speak softly to her, and beaconed Demeter for them to go back to their respective thrones. Whoever had earned Hera's ire, it will not be pretty.

As he was thinking this, a loud thunderclap announced the arrival of Zeus. He then sat on his throne with an imposing air, making Poseidon mentally shake his head at his little brother. Honestly.

"Athena will not be joining us for this session as she is still not feeling well." Zeus intoned, making the others shrug in indifference. Honestly, no one is too concerned for the Wisdom Goddess, considering the stunt she pulled the last meeting. It seems only Zeus was concerned about her. Well, seeing as she was his favorite daughter, it was no surprise.

"Nor will Ares join us as he is still searching for something." Hera said stiffly, never looking at her husband's direction. Zeus looked at her, eyes imploring, but Hera stared resolutely at Hestia, who was smiling reassuringly at her.

"Very well. Let's start. Hestia?"

Hestia nodded, snapping her fingers. Instantly, the bubble surrounding the fire popped, and out of it came out the smoke that accumulated. It condensed and showed the three demigods and their companion satyr riding inside the same train they went in earlier.

"Is this a recording, Hestia?" Poseidon asked, staring intently at his daughter comfort the three conflicted boys.

"Yes. This happened when we adjourned." Hestia nodded, smiling as Hermes' son, Luke, laid a hand on young Percy's shoulder.

"From this day on, Percy Jackson, I swear by the River Styx that I would do everything in my power to protect you."

Hestia's smile widened as the other gasped and looked at Poseidon, who was looking at the scene with a closed-off expression. Hermes was watching his uncle hopefully, and Apollo was smiling softly. Poseidon noticed this and just looked back at the fire, saying nothing. Hestia smiled as Hermes and Apollo looked at her for an interpretation. She just put up a thumbs-up, making Hermes sag onto his throne, and Apollo grin. The others who were watching also were sporting grins, looking at the relieved Messenger God in amusement.

Though, it was quickly wiped away as Poseidon started growling, making the others look at the fire, with everyone else stifling their laughter as Hermes started paling rapidly, with Apollo hurriedly stroking his brother's back in reassurance as the two demigods unmistakably started to close into one another. The two demigods were closing their personal spaces, making Poseidon growl even more loudly. Everyone was hiding grins, and Aphrodite was grinning as they watched them get closer. Closer. Almost there!

Well, then the other demigod quester then separated the two, making Luke smack against the glass, hard. Aphrodite moaned in disappointment, but Hermes sighed in relief as he planned to bless the black-haired demigod for saving his son's life. Apollo looked at the black-haired demigod intensely, and Poseidon loosened his grip on his Trident, making Hestia giggle a little.

"Does anyone recognize the other demigod? This Ethan?" Demeter questioned the room at large. She was met with blank looks altogether. "So, he must be the son of a minor god or goddess."

"Must remember to bless him. Keeps the balance." Hermes muttered, passing a weary hand over his eyes. Apollo just grinned a little at his brother's statement. Ah, if only he knew.

"I met my Big Brother, Triton."

Poseidon had this weird smile that kept getting bigger and bigger with every second that went past, making everyone, including Zeus, to eye him nervously.

"Brother, are you alright?" Demeter asked him warily.

Hestia giggled a little, looking at her brother with a fond light. "It's alright, Dem. It's just Poseidon's first time having a daughter, right? So he's feeling a little overprotective."

"Err, now I know where Triton got it." Apollo laughed uneasily, wincing at every whimper Hermes let out.

"He doesn't want anything from me this time. He wants to meet all of you." At this point, Poseidon laughed, and everybody shivered. It wasn't his usual 'I'm amused' laugh. It was more like a cackle at this point, which was bordering on plain creepy because no one had heard him laugh like that before.

"Dude, I don't care what Nike says. Luke needs all the luck he can get right now. Have you talked to Tyche yet?" Hermes whimpered.

"On it." Apollo gulped.

Hestia smiled as the smoke evaporated. "That's the last of the recorded conversations. Shall we watch what currently going on with Percy?" The others nodded. Hestia snapped her fingers and smoke came out of the fire itself, condensing, showing the four teens sitting on a booth in a chrome diner.

"Whoa. It's already dinner time?" Apollo asked, looking around curiously. The other all blinked at his statement, surprised.

"Well, we did start later than usual." Demeter mildly commented, eyeing the Love Goddess out of the corner of her eyes. Aphrodite sighed as Artemis once again laid a hand on her arm, comforting her. The others who were privy to what happened softened their gazes when they watched the scene, with the others just keeping quiet, seeing the obvious strain it put the others in.

Ares growled. It has been five days already. FIVE FREAKING LONG DAYS. And where was he with retrieving the stupid scarf? Nowhere. Bah. He doesn't even care about the scarf anymore. He could just buy Aphrodite a new one and she'd enchant it all over again. What he was more concerned with at this point was his blasted shield. He couldn't leave his powerful shield in the Bastard Cripple's hands! No way! What's more, it's already the scheduled time for the one of the useless meetings, since his mother oh so kindly let him know by making it thunder. What does she know. They were just going to be observing his little squirt of a cousin. Ares continued to grumble under his breath for a few moments more before his brain backtracked, and slowly, a feral grin stretching from his mouth. Yes. That could work. He grinned as he mounted his bike, and rode towards where he could smell the faintest smell of power and the sea, not remembering that the others were watching his target as of the moment.

Back on Olympus, the others were all watching Aphrodite and Artemis with varying emotions. Aphrodite valiantly tried to ignore them all, instead focusing on what was happening to her dear Percy. What she saw made her let out a strangled gasp. "No! Don't go near her!" Ah. Even though the first part was normal, for this part to seem like it still was says everything about her acting skills. She still got it, baby!

The other snapped their heads towards the fire, only for them to gape as well, seeing a man dressed in a red muscle shirt and black jeans and a black leather duster, with a hunting knife strapped to his thigh disembark from his huge motorcycle which was just as fearsome as its owner. What the heck was Ares doing near Percy!

The other gods just gaped as Ares commandeered the waitress into following his orders, making Hera and Artemis growl. How dare he scorn a woman! Had he no manners! They could only watch as he slid into the table where Percy and the other were.

"So, you're old Seaweed's Daughter, eh? Your mother must've been made of hot stuff for you to look like that." Poseidon was already glowing at that statement, his hand white-knuckled as he gripped his Trident, already flashing towards Ares, but Apollo and Hermes instantly were on his sides, hands on his shoulder, and Hestia was comforting him.

"Brother, peace. Please."

Poseidon didn't look happy, but nodded his consent, sitting back on his throne. His grip on his Trident though, didn't lessen one bit. Hestia looked imploringly at her nephews, begging them to stay in case Poseidon needs to be convinced once more. They looked at her and nodded, staying where they were, like armed soldiers ready to come to the aid of their king (now isn't that ironic).

Aphrodite looked externally horrified as Ares seemingly involved Percy at his own stupid volition, but inside she was cackling eerily like Poseidon did awhile ago. Her plan was unraveling beautifully! She knew that even though Ares doesn't outright say it, he was traumatized by what Hephaestus had done the first time around, and thus, he'd be hesitant to get the items the blacksmith had boobytrapped. So she and Hephaestus planned their little escapade five days ago, and except for the taking advantage of her part, it worked beautifully. What Ares did only served them even more in the long run, even! She now watched with the others, waiting for the moment that she will be free to reveal herself and her husband proudly to everyone.

Demeter frowned severely as Ares kicked his aura up a notch and the demigods' different reactions to it. "He's antagonizing them on purpose. What does he want with them?" No one answered her seeing as at that moment, Ares was talking.

"Now that the tramp is gone, let's talk business. I knew you were in town, and I've got a proposition for you."

"That worthless scum! I should turn him into a jackalope! How dare he treat a woman that way!" Artemis raged, silver eyes looking eerily like diamonds in her anger.

"There would be time for that later, step-daughter. I promise you, you turning him into a jackalope would be the lightest punishment he would get." Hera said, fully agreeing with Artemis. Zeus tried to open his mouth, but one look at his wife's eyes had him hastily closing his mouth. He didn't want to be collateral damage, thank you very much!

The others wisely followed Zeus' lead, though it seems they were each thinking their own punishments to add onto Ares' list with every single thing he did, though many were looking approvingly at Luke's actions.

"He still has a lot to do before I'd let him date my daughter, but this is second thing he has gained my approval on. Well done, Hermes. He might survive Triton if he keeps this up."

Hermes looked at his uncle in amazement as Poseidon grudgingly admitted this. He gave Apollo an ecstatic smile, which Apollo wholeheartedly answered with his own happy smile.

"I know all about your quest, punk. When that item was first stolen, Zeus sent his best out looking for it: Apollo, Athena, Artemis, and me, naturally. If I couldn't sniff out a weapon that powerful ..."

Apollo and Artemis bristled at his statement. "What's he implying, that sis and I are no good?" Apollo intoned angrily, while Artemis looked like she wanted to flash down there and kill Ares, never mind it being impossible to kill a god.

"Children, peace." Zeus sighed, not wanting to witness his children killing each other, though Ares' next statement had him clench his throne in anger.

"Well ... if I couldn't find it, you got no hope, even though you're Hermes' son. Nevertheless, I'm trying to give you, Jackson, the benefit of the doubt. Your dad and I go way back. After all, I'm the one who told him my suspicions about old Corpse Breath."

"THAT IMPUDENT WHELP!" Zeus thundered, the air around him already smelling like ozone. He then turned to his wife, who was looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "I think I'll join you in disciplining our wayward child."

"And I'll contribute something." Poseidon muttered, making Hermes and Apollo nod approvingly. Hestia just sighed sadly, looking remorsefully at the fire. What was Ares thinking?

"The water park is a mile west on Delancy. You can't miss it. Look for the Tunnel of Love ride. Enjoy the ride."

The others could only simmer with anger as they watched Ares phase out of the scene. Hephaestus watched as the other planned what they would do to the War God when he flashes in here once again. He had to marvel at the sheer brilliance the ideas had. Was boiling him in hot lava and at the same time freezing his, err, private parts off even possible? Well, he took one look at the dark looks Apollo and Artemis were exchanging, and the dangerous glint in his mother's eyes, and knew that Ares will probably not be walking decently for three months. And he's being generous with his estimation.

Aphrodite smirked internally. It was even better than they planned! Ares was digging his own grave! And the i***t didn't even remember they were watching Percy! But, they had to alert the others of what laid ahead of Percy's side quest, or else Hephaestus would also be sucked into their anger. "Hephaestus, please tell me honestly. Have you put a trap were Ares and I met?" The others all stopped their Ares-bashing in favor of looking at them with raised eyebrows. Hephaestus, though, looked straight at her with solemn eyes.

"Yes I did, though when I did that, I had no idea of what he did to you. For that, I apologize."

"No, you had to reason to think that. And. I'm sorry. For all these years. And thank you for being there for me these past few days. It's very much appreciated." Aphrodite smiled at the blacksmith, making the other smile back. Hera was watching this with a proud smile, while Hestia was smiling happily. The others were also looking at them with relieved stances. Finally, Aphrodite had acknowledged that Hephaestus was leagues better than Ares. Poseidon was smiling at his aunt. At last his wish for her came true. Now all that's left was for her to reveal herself.

As the others turned back to the fire, they had found that Percy and the others were just coming back from a shower. Some of them raised their eyebrows at their stolen apparel, but made no comment, seeing as they were going against one of Hephaestus' own traps in minutes.

"Ares is a total jerk. He needs to take Aphrodite on romantic dates, not creepy ones!" "Mare, it's not good to badmouth the gods, even if they are jerks."

"For once, the satyr said something good." Zeus snorted. Dionysus just rolled his eyes at his father. Honestly. Hypocrite much?

They watched as the four arrived at the aforementioned ride, with them bashing Ares as much as they themselves were awhile ago. Hermes nodded approvingly at Luke's plan. As the two demigods descended the ramp, the atmosphere in the Throne Room went tenser and tenser by the minute, everyone waiting for what will happen. They watched as Luke reached out to take the shield, only for him to stiffen and look warily from all sides. They all looked at Hephaestus for confirmation, only to receive a grim nod.

"Luke? What's the matter?" "My hand tripped a thin wire."

The whole Council sucked their breaths in a collective manner, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And drop it did. Noise suddenly blared through the bonfire as the Cupid statues at the top of the bowl shaped ramp started to fire arrows at each other, making a huge net. The statue heads opened and out came video cameras. The gods raised their eyebrows as around them, plasma televisions had suddenly popped out of the pillars adorning the room. Hephaestus just shrugged at their questioning looks. "I had planned this being Ares on their parts. I wanted some entertainment."

They all returned their attention to the bonfire, seeing as the two were trying to escape. They almost made it too, if it weren't for the mirrors adorning the rim of the ceiling to open and out of it came out metallic snakes of every kind.

"Oh dear Fates. You just had to make it snakes, didn't you, Hephaestus?" Poseidon gritted out. Really, he shouldn't take out his frustrations on the blacksmith, but it was HARD. Ares was going down. Slowly and Painfully. The others all looked at him questioningly. "All my children are afraid of snakes because of Medusa." The others nodded as they cringed in pity for Percy.

Poseidon was shuddering, helpless, as he listened to the terrified screams of his precious baby girl. Dear Fates, if that Son of Hermes manages to save both their hides, he'll tell Triton to take it gently on the punk.

The Sea God shouted, panicked, as the snakes shout out white fluid from their mouths, but, sighed in relief later seeing it was nothing but a sticky substance. He was therefore relieved when he shouted to his companions to turn the water on, not caring in the slightest that he was hugging his precious daughter.

As the countdown turned to Zero, the previously black television screens blared to life, showcasing the two hugging demigods doused by the sudden rush of the water into the pool. They watched as Luke told Percy what to do, and Percy complied. With the two quickly insuring that they would get as safe as possible, the gods watched as the boat they were occupying plunged down to the hole in front of them. The gods then turned to the bonfire seeing as the image followed Percy itself, and was not stuck to the statues. The gods smirked a little at Luke's reaction, while the goddesses just winced in sympathy at Percy.

Hermes watched proudly as his son took command of the quickly going to Tartarus side-quest and helped Percy to recover from her terror awhile ago. He was also further relieved that his uncle seemingly wasn't as overprotective of her being hugged by another male, seeing as said male was protecting her. But still, you never know with this new side of Poseidon. He only hoped that with this, Triton wouldn't m**m Luke toobadly.

The plasmas then displayed the two rocketing out of the tunnel they were in, making Poseidon curse fluently in Ancient Greek at seeing the end of the ride.

"Oh dear Fates!" Hermes was wide-eyed, fearful for his son's safety.

Apollo, though, only laid comforting hands on both father's shoulders. "Don't worry so much. Have you ever seen a Son of Hermes out of tricks?"

And true to Apollo's word, Luke gathered Percy into his arms once again and uttered a single word that had Hermes sighing in relief.

"Maia!"

They watched as the two went airborne, with some help from magic sneakers that Luke had. Though, they heard a curious noise coming from the general direction of Hermes' throne. Hermes' eyes widened as he realized what was making the noise. "Damn! Maia!" Immediately, the noise died down. Hermes then faced his mischievously smirking brother. "Don't even think about it! You already have a Maserati!"

The others all laughed at what was happening and turned back to the bonfire. They found that the four were also laughing, probably as a way to cope up with stress. Though, Percy noticed the cameras and faced them.

"Show's over, Lords and Ladies! Thank you for watching! Goodnight!"

Artemis was smirking, her earlier anger pushed back at the amusing show her little brave cousin showed. "I like her, Uncle!"

Poseidon himself was lightly smirking, slowly recovering from the stress his daughter was so fond of putting on his shoulders. "She's my precious baby daughter, and I won't trade her for the world." Zeus tried to snap at his brother, but Hera had clamped a hand on his arm, making him swallow his words.

When the four teens arrived where Ares was waiting, the gods, even Zeus, all glowered when they saw the smirk Ares had.

"Well, well, you didn't get yourself killed!"

Poseidon growled. "I get his head." Hermes was nodding, thoroughly scowling at Ares' smug face.

"As long as we get a shot first, Uncle. Artemis and I have a score to settle with the bastard." Apollo said, hands clenched into fists.

"If you didn't succeed, then you're not the Child of the Prophecy. Simple as that, kid."

Zeus, at this point, was growling too. "How DARE he reveal that information to someone who could be the Child! That's it. Aphrodite, I order you to break up with him! Even after all this time, he still hasn't learned when to keep his mouth shut! This will be my first punishment, effective immediately!" Thunder boomed in the skies, sealing his command. Aphrodite just nodded, while inside she was dancing with glee. She was free!

And when Ares pointed to the truck that was supposed to be their ride, the others just scoffed in disgust.

"They already completed your foolhardy request, and you give them that as your reward!?" Demeter said, scandalized. They watched as Luke caught the backpack tossed to him by the War God, and felt proud of the demigod seeing as he was openly defying the god. Though, pride was quickly replaced by appalled as they witnessed Ares check out a twelve year old.

"You did a good job, girlie. You've got strength, even though you freaked out at the snakes. Get a few more years to you, and I might sweep you off your feet."

Poseidon, at this time, was smiling weirdly again, though none of the gods even felt sorry for the horrors that will soon befall the arrogant god. "Nevermind his head. I get his balls. Got it?" The Sea God purred. The others just nodded, although each looked like they wanted to be the ones in Poseidon's shoes so that they could get the chance to rip his manhood apart.

Hestia, at this time, snapped her fingers again, and the bonfire was covered by the same bubble as the last one. "It is beyond the time that we adjourned." The others nodded, as they all flashed away, all of them flashing to Ares' temple, eagerly waiting for the arrival of the War God.

Meanwhile, once the Throne Room was empty, a single flash of energy emerged. When the lights dimmed, Ares was standing there in all of his arrogant glory. "Hello?" Seeing no one, he just shrugged and flashed away to his own temple, never knowing the horrors that were waiting for him there.